A "Red Flag" system adds value to medical school admissions interviews.

INTRODUCTION: Non-cognitive traits should be considered when selecting candidates to study medicine. However, evaluating these traits remains difficult. We explored whether measuring undesirable non-cognitive behaviour ('Red Flags') added value to a medical school admissions system. Red Flags included rudeness, ignoring the contributions of others, disrespectful behaviour, or poor communication. METHODS: Following an admissions interview testing non-cognitive attributes in 648 applicants to a UK medical school, we measured the association between interview score and Red Flag frequency. We tested linear and polynomial regression models to evaluate whether the association was linear or non-linear. RESULTS: In total, 1126 Red Flags were observed. While Red Flags were concentrated among low-scorers, candidates in the highest- and second-highest deciles for interview score still received Red Flags (six and twenty-two, respectively). The polynomial regression model indicated candidates with higher scores received fewer Red Flags, but the association was not linear (F(3644) = 159.8, p = .001, adjusted R2 = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS: The non-linear association between interview score and Red Flag frequency shows some candidates with desirable non-cognitive attributes will still display undesirable-or even exclusionary-non-cognitive attributes. Recording Red Flag behaviour reduces the likelihood such candidates will be offered a place at medical school.

Prediabetes in children and adolescents: An updated review.

Prediabetes, the precursor of type 2 diabetes mellitus, is an intermediate stage between normal glucose homeostasis and overt diabetes. This asymptomatic metabolic state is increasingly prevalent in pediatric population and is very difficult to detect without appropriate screening. Studies have shown that a certain proportion of children with prediabetes will develop diabetes in a few years. Even more alarming is the evidence that youth-onset diabetes has a more aggressive clinical course with progressive beta-cell decline and accelerated end-organ damage. Despite its importance, several aspects involving prediabetes in childhood are disputed or unknown. This review presents the latest insights into this challenging entity and outlines a simplified screening approach to aid clinical practice. In summary, childhood prediabetes is an important clinical condition indicating the need for proper screening and timely intervention.

Acanthosis nigricans in obese adolescents: prevalence, impact, and management challenges.

Obesity in adolescence is a public health priority because it usually tracks into adulthood, resulting in enormous medical and social costs. This underscores the importance of early identification and intervention. Acanthosis nigricans (AN) was once considered a rare paraneoplastic dermatosis, but is now frequently observed in obese adolescents. Current understanding suggests that it is associated with insulin resistance and has a unique role in secondary prevention. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview of AN in obese adolescents, covering its history, current knowledge on the condition, its clinical significance, management challenges, and the direction of future research.